Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe

Dive into pure bliss with this exquisite Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe! Imagine soft, pillowy donuts, artfully twisted and generously coated in a shimmering layer of warm cinnamon sugar. These delightful plant-based treats offer a golden-brown crunch on the outside, giving way to an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior.

They’re a celebration of simple pleasures, perfect for a cozy morning or a festive gathering. Get ready to create magic in your kitchen with this irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe

This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience! You will adore making these homemade delights for many reasons:

• Unforgettable Flavor & Texture: Experience the perfect harmony of aromatic cinnamon, sweet sugar, and a wonderfully chewy-soft donut base. Each bite of these twist donuts offers a delightful contrast.
• Surprisingly Simple to Make: Don’t be intimidated by homemade donuts! Our detailed Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe guides you effortlessly, even if you are a beginner baker.
• Plant-Based Goodness: Crafted entirely from wholesome, plant-based ingredients, these vegan donuts are a guilt-free indulgence, suitable for everyone.
• Creative & Fun: Twisting the dough is an enjoyable process, allowing you to add a personal touch to each beautiful cinnamon sugar twist.
• Warm, Fresh & Fragrant: There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked (or fried!) cinnamon sugar twist donuts filling your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather for these delightful vegan cinnamon sugar twists:

• All-Purpose Flour: We recommend unbleached, organic all-purpose flour for the best texture and rise in your twist donuts.
• Granulated Sugar: Used both in the dough and for the iconic cinnamon sugar coating. Ensure it’s vegan-friendly.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for giving your twist donuts that light, airy texture.
• Warm Plant-Based Milk: Almond or oat milk works beautifully here, providing richness without dairy. Ensure it’s lukewarm (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C) to activate the yeast properly for your Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe.
• Vegan Butter (Melted): Adds moisture and a lovely buttery flavor to the dough. Choose a high-quality, unsalted brand.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla enhances all the sweet flavors in these plant-based donuts.
• Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the overall flavor profile of your cinnamon sugar twists.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show! Use fresh, aromatic ground cinnamon for the most vibrant flavor in your cinnamon sugar coating.
• Vegetable Oil for Frying: Canola, sunflower, or grapeseed oil are excellent choices for achieving a golden, crispy exterior on your homemade donuts.

Substitutions & Variations

This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for creative and healthy modifications. Embrace your inner chef with these simple swaps for your plant-based donuts:

• Flour Alternatives: For a whole grain option, substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour. This adds fiber while maintaining a relatively tender crumb for your twist donuts.
• Sugar Swaps: Reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the dough and use maple syrup or agave nectar for a more natural sweetness. For the coating, coconut sugar blended with cinnamon offers a slightly caramel-like note and a lower glycemic index.
• Oil-Free Baking: Instead of deep frying, you can bake these twist donuts! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Immediately after baking, brush with a little melted vegan butter or plant milk and toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar coating for an extra layer of warmth and complexity. A zest of orange or lemon in the dough also brightens the flavor profile of this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: While we haven’t extensively tested a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) might work. Adjust liquid as necessary, as gluten-free flours absorb differently.

If you want to explore more delightful donut options, check out our recipe for Baked Buttermilk Donuts. These delicious baked treats provide a lighter twist on traditional donuts without compromising on flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes preparing this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials:

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients and letting the dough rise.
• Stand Mixer (Optional, but Recommended): With a dough hook attachment, it simplifies kneading.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Whisk: To blend dry ingredients.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough evenly.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: To cut the dough strips for your twist donuts.
• Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven: Ideal for deep frying, maintaining consistent oil temperature.
• Thermometer (Candy or Deep-Fry): Crucial for monitoring oil temperature for perfect homemade donuts.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Skimmer: For safely removing fried donuts from the oil.
• Wire Rack: For draining excess oil and cooling.
• Shallow Dish: For tossing the warm twist donuts in cinnamon sugar.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents shaped donuts from sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your own irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe. Making these plant-based donuts is a joyful process!

1. Activate the Yeast: In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready for your Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the activated yeast mixture, add the melted vegan butter and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, remaining granulated sugar (for the dough), and salt.
4. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
6. First Rise: Lightly grease your mixing bowl with a little oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This crucial step develops the airy texture of your twist donuts.
7. Prepare for Shaping: While the dough rises, prepare your cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Shape the Donuts: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches long. For each strip, twist it gently into a spiral, then pinch the ends together to form a twisted ring or simply leave them as twisted sticks. Place the shaped twist donuts on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Second Rise: Cover the shaped donuts loosely with a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise again in a warm place for 20-30 minutes, or until slightly puffy. This second rise makes for incredibly light homemade donuts.
10. Heat the Oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat to 350-360°F (175-180°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature; it’s vital for perfectly cooked twist donuts.
11. Fry the Donuts: Carefully lower 2-3 donuts into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The exact timing will depend on the oil temperature and the size of your cinnamon sugar twists.
12. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Using a slotted spoon or spider skimmer, remove the fried donuts from the oil, allowing any excess oil to drip off. Immediately transfer the warm twist donuts to the shallow dish with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Toss gently to coat thoroughly on all sides.
13. Cool and Serve: Place the coated Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe on a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these warm, fragrant delights!

As you prepare to create your Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with how to make other types of donuts. For a rich and creamy experience, consider trying our Cream Filled Donuts, which make for an indulgent treat.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving bakery-quality Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe at home is entirely possible with a few expert tricks:

• Perfect Yeast Activation: Always ensure your plant milk is not too hot (it kills the yeast) or too cold (it won’t activate). The ideal temperature is lukewarm, like a baby’s bath. If your yeast doesn’t foam, it might be old, and you should start again.
• Don’t Over-Flour: Resist the urge to add too much flour during kneading or rolling. A slightly tacky dough yields a softer donut. Only use enough flour to prevent sticking.
• Achieve the Right Dough Consistency: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should pass the “windowpane test” – you can stretch a small piece thinly enough to see light through it without tearing. This indicates well-developed gluten, crucial for chewy, yet tender twist donuts.
• Oil Temperature is Key: This is perhaps the most critical tip for fried donuts. If the oil is too cold, the donuts absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they brown too quickly on the outside, remaining raw inside. Maintain 350-360°F (175-180°C) for perfect results. Use a thermometer!
• Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the pot lowers the oil temperature dramatically and results in uneven cooking. Fry a few homemade donuts at a time for consistent golden perfection.
• Coat While Warm: For the best adhesion and melting, toss the fried twist donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after removing them from the oil. The residual heat helps the sugar stick and slightly melt, creating that irresistible glaze.
• Use Fresh Oil: For the cleanest flavor, use fresh oil for frying. Used oil can impart off-flavors to your delicate cinnamon sugar twists.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe are best enjoyed fresh, you can store them to savor their deliciousness later:

• At Room Temperature: Store leftover twist donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The coating might become slightly absorbed, but the flavor remains.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze uncoated fried donuts. Once cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: To enjoy that fresh-baked warmth, pop refrigerated or thawed twist donuts into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. If frozen, reheat directly from frozen for 10-15 minutes. You can also quickly warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, but this might make them a bit chewier. If reheating uncoated donuts, toss them in fresh cinnamon sugar after warming.
• Prevent Waste: If you have leftover dough, consider making mini cinnamon sugar twists or even savory garlic knots!

After enjoying your fresh twist donuts, you might wonder how to store them for later enjoyment. We recommend checking out our guide for Brioche Donuts, which also includes tips for keeping your donuts fresh.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These delightful Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe are a treat on their own, but pairing them thoughtfully can elevate the experience. As Hana, I love complementing indulgent treats with fresh, vibrant options:

• Fresh Fruit Platter: A colorful array of berries, sliced kiwi, or melon provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the twist donuts.
• Herbal Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of your favorite herbal tea, a classic black coffee, or a creamy plant-based latte makes for a perfect morning or afternoon pairing with these homemade donuts.
• Vegan Yogurt Parfait: Layers of plant-based yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit offer a balanced, wholesome accompaniment.
• Nut Butter Dip: For an extra protein boost, serve the cinnamon sugar twists with a small bowl of almond or cashew butter for dipping.
• Light Green Salad: For a truly adventurous and balanced brunch, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can surprisingly cut through the richness and cleanse the palate between bites of your Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe.
• Smoothie Bowls: A vibrant, nutrient-packed smoothie bowl topped with seeds and fruit creates a delightful “sweet and healthy” balance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, punch it down, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.

On baking day, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling, shaping, and proceeding with the second rise and frying. You can also fry the donuts, let them cool, and freeze them before coating, as described in our storage tips.

What’s the best way to ensure my plant-based donuts are light and fluffy?

Several factors contribute to light and fluffy twist donuts. First, ensure your yeast is active. Second, knead the dough thoroughly until it’s smooth and elastic – this develops the gluten structure.

Third, allow both rises to complete fully; under-risen dough results in dense donuts. Lastly, maintain the correct oil temperature during frying, as described in the Pro Tips, to prevent greasy or raw centers in your homemade donuts.

Can I bake these twist donuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can! While frying gives them that classic texture, baking is a healthier alternative for this Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe. After shaping and the second rise, bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Immediately brush them with a little melted vegan butter or plant milk, then toss in the cinnamon sugar coating. They will have a slightly different texture, but still be incredibly delicious plant-based donuts!

Cinnamon sugar twist donuts are a delightful variation of traditional fried pastries that combine the warmth of cinnamon and sweetness of sugar, offering a unique twist on flavors. Known for their comforting aroma and soft texture, these treats are favored in many cultures, often served during festive occasions and gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe invites you to create more than just a treat; it’s an invitation to joy, mindful indulgence, and sharing delicious plant-based moments. Embrace the simple magic of homemade twist donuts, connect with your ingredients, and fill your kitchen with the sweet aroma of pure happiness. Every twist is a labor of love!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

(Estimated per serving, based on 12 servings from the recipe)

Cinnamon Sugar Twist Donuts Recipe

Experience soft, pillowy donuts artfully twisted and generously coated in a shimmering layer of warm cinnamon sugar. These plant-based treats offer a golden-brown crunch on the outside, giving way to an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 donuts servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm plant-based milk (lukewarm)
• 1/4 cup vegan butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamo
• Vegetable oil for frying

Method

 

1. Activate the yeast by mixing warm milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until foamy.
2. Combine melted vegan butter and vanilla extract with the yeast mixture. Whisk together.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients to form a shaggy dough.
5. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
7. Prepare a cinnamon sugar coating mixture and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Roll out the dough and cut into strips, then twist them into desired shapes.
9. Let the shaped donuts rise for another 20-30 minutes.
10. Heat vegetable oil to 350-360°F (175-180°C) and fry the donuts until golden brown.
11. Immediately coat the fried donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture and let them cool on a wire rack.

Notes

Ensure yeast is active by using lukewarm milk. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.